ROGER FEDERER hailed Andrey Rublev for producing a “super clean” performance as he crashed out of the Cincinnati Masters.

Federer and Rublev had never played each other before but the young Russian broke the 20-time Grand Slam champion in his opening service game and despite being broken back, broke again to soon lead 4-1.

In the fast conditions in Cincinnati, the Swiss star struggled to keep up with Rublev's aggressive style.

And Rublev never looked overawed by the occasions as he served out the match in just over an hour.

After the defeat, Federer quickly went to his press conference and heaped praise on Rublev.